Young Improvers for Youth Development partners with local NGOs to empower marginalized youth for environmental advocacy in Smolyan
Young Improvers for Youth Development (YIYD) has teamed up with several local NGOs in Smolyan to empower marginalized youth for environmental advocacy. The partnership aims to create a sustainable and inclusive platform that amplifies the voices of young people in the community and engages them in local decision-making processes related to environmental issues.
As part of the project, YIYD and its partners organized the “Smolyan Youth Environmental Roundtable,” a monthly event that brings together diverse youth representatives, local policymakers, and environmental experts to discuss and negotiate local environmental challenges. The event provides a space for young people to share their experiences and perspectives on how environmental issues affect their lives and their communities, and propose solutions and actions to address them.
“We believe that it is important to involve young people in decision-making processes related to the environment, especially those who are often marginalized and face disproportionate impacts of environmental degradation,” said Valentin Kehayov, the project manager of Voices United for Smolyan.
The partnership with local NGOs also includes the “Smolyan Green Ambassadors” program, which supports small-scale, community-led environmental projects initiated by marginalized youth, and advocacy workshops that provide training on environmental advocacy, public speaking, and social media campaigning, tailored for the specific needs of marginalized youth in Smolyan.
“We want to provide young people with the necessary tools and knowledge to engage in environmental policy-making processes and make sure that their concerns and perspectives are represented,” said Kehayov.
The partnership with local NGOs is part of a broader project called “Voices United for Smolyan: Empowering Marginalized Youth for Environmental Advocacy,” which is funded by Youth and Environment Europe. The project aims to contribute to a more sustainable future and make a positive impact in the community.
“We are grateful for the support of our partners and stakeholders in this project, and we believe that together we can make a difference,” said Kehayov.
The partnership between YIYD and local NGOs in Smolyan demonstrates the power of collaboration and the importance of involving young people in decision-making processes related to the environment. It is a step towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
